GREERTON SWIMMING CLUB NEWSLETTER one

Greerton Swimming Club Newsletter February & March 2017

Issue Date

GREERTON SWIMMING CLUB IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome back to a busy term with lots of meets and events happening. 2017 is zooming by with a number of great achievements by GSC members over the past 2 months.

Congratulations to our head coach Tai and his wife Katrina on the birth of their daughter. Isn’t she gorgeous!

Our garage sale held on 9th January was a great success and earned $1300 for the Club. A big thank you to everyone that contributed items to be sold and or helped out in any way to make the day such a great success. All of our left-over items were gratefully received by the Waipuna Hospice.

NZ Open Water Champs 14th-15th January

The New Zealand Open Water Swimming Championships held in Taupo last weekend also doubled as the NZ Secondary Schools Championship. Since the inclusion of the ocean swim version of the sport at the Olympics in 2008 the standard of racing globally has quickly become very high - and Taupo was no exception. Mia Pugh, 15, was a surprise winner of the 5km event, winning her first Swimming NZ medal of any colour. Pugh won the 13-15 year old girls' title from a field of 30 swimmers, finishing 8th overall female behind the outstanding Charlotte Webby from Taranaki.

Despite a slow start due to an unfavourable start line position, Pugh worked her way through the field and late in the race looked a certainty for gold. But fast-finishing NZ development

January / February News

Contacts

Upcoming Meets

squad member Milla Theobold from Rotorua closed the gap to just two seconds on the finish line. Pugh held on to claim the gold medal and finished in a time of 1 hour 9 minutes 41 seconds to Theobold's 1:09:43 with Manawatu's Paris Cutler third in 1:10:42. It was double delight in Taupo for Pugh as she was awarded a second gold medal as NZ Secondary Schools Champion in the 14-15 year age group, representing Bethlehem College. Kim Cadzow, 15, finished 12th in the same event after narrowly missing a medal finishing fourth in the NZ Secondary School 1km event the previous day. In the non-championship events, Greerton Swimmers placed in the top three were Louis Fitzjohn over 1km, Brooke Ross in the 500m, along with Arianna Roberts and Will Quin in the 100m.

GREERTON SWIMMING CLUB NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

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Whakatane LC Meet, 22nd January

Well done to the team racing the Whakatane meet LC in Rotorua. Special mention to Thomas Logger who showed tremendous improvement demolishing his best times in all events. Louis Fitzjohn also swam a whole bunch of LC PB's. Daniel Harrington and Lilli Guy also went oh so close to a PB clean sheet. Aidan Heath was a big improver over 100, 200, 400 free plus Kate Kuka too in the 200br, 200IM and 400 free...top efforts everybody in difficult conditions. A number of juniors were swimming following on from the BOP Junior camp. Those to especially show out were Dylan Beilby taking chunks of time of his personal bests. Caitlin Farrell particularly over 400 free (20sec PB), Katie Hills chipping away across multiple strokes, Brooke Ross LC PB's all-round and almost the same for Arianna Roberts. Thanks Riccardo and all our fantastic parents!

NZ Zonal Champs 2017

Congratulations to our GSC members who were selected for and swam at the 2017 NZ Zonal Championships in the Aquaknights Team. Well done to Lochlainn, Kim and Connor.

Kim with Sophie Lewis

26th January partnership with BaySwim

We are very excited to announce a partnership between Greerton BaySwim and the Greerton Swimming Club. This relationship will help to keep children on a swimming path once they have learnt to swim. Greerton Swimming Club has

produced multiple national champions so it’s an appropriate match for BaySwim which is aligned with the multi-award winning Northern Arena.

Hamilton Sumer Meet (28th – 30th January)

This meet provided some January racing for 20 GSC swimmers as they built through to Juniors, Div II’s and National Age Group Champs. Louis Fitzjohn excelled breaking the BOP 50m and 100m butterfly records in 29.12 and 1:04.55 respectively. Connor Farrell and Kim Cadzow collected huge point scores to lead Greerton to the number 1 ranking ahead of Howick Pakuranga and St Pauls.

13 and over boys at Session 6 of finals.

Greerton Cash Meet

Thank you to everyone that supported the Greerton Cash Meet. Some great racing and pbs. The swimmers had fun and it was done and dusted within 3 hours. Thank you to all of our Gold and Silver squad members that helped out with jobs on the night as well. Special thanks to Karen Wagstaff (OSC) for running Meet Manager, Tracy Brown (training Meet Manager) and to the Pook Family: Jan, Sam and Tahlia (Taupo Swimming Club) who assisted us with the AOD, Officials duties and ribbons and money. Our meet was approved and a number of National

meet times gained by swimmers from around the region.

17th - 19th February – NZ Junior Festival, Aquaknights Zone, Rotorua

We had 26 swimmers competing at this event. Congratulations to Edward, Sarah C, Ian, Caitlin, Daniel, Louis, Kyla, Elliot, Brooke, Millie, Hannah R, Thomas J, Maia, Connor D, Arianna, Zach, Brin, Kane, Jessica, Dylan, Thomas L, Issac, Hannah B, Yeva, Shaeli and Cameron for qualifying. Special thanks to Riccardo and Team Managers Andy and Adrienne who are oversaw the team that weekend.

Friday afternoon - Session 1

GREERTON SWIMMING CLUB NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

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Sunday morning – Session 4

The epic contests in the pool between Louis Fitzjohn and Tarquin Magner are already causing quite a ripple in the top echelons of New Zealand swimming. The two 12-year-olds are the fastest swimmers for their age in the country and are both from Tauranga. Otumoetai club member Magner and his rival from across town at the Greerton pool, Fitzjohn, were the outright sensations at the Aquaknights Zonal Swimming Championships held last weekend. Swimmers aged 9 to 12 from Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Taranaki and Hawke's Bay competed at the pinnacle of national junior swimming competition. Magner broke three New Zealand records and Fitzjohn one in the undoubted individual battle of the swim meet. Magner set new records in the 100m freestyle (57.68), 50m backstroke (29.43) and 100m individual medley (1:06.07), with Fitzjohn winning the 100m butterfly in a NZ record time (1:03.52) after several second places behind Magner. In the 100m individual medley both swimmers broke the previous New Zealand record with Magner touching the wall just 0.2 seconds ahead of Fitzjohn, who won gold in the 200m butterfly, 50m breaststroke and 400m medley. In the club rankings, Greerton sent a team of 27 swimmers aged 12-and-

under and finished third overall behind St Peter's from Cambridge and Swim Rotorua. Otumoetai finished with a flourish to take sixth place. There were plenty of other outstanding performances in the pool. Greerton's rapidly improving Caitlin Farrell, 11, was another to shine winning the 100m freestyle in 1:06.87 after her earlier 200m bronze and an excellent 400m swim, which saw her finish as third fastest 400m girl across all four New Zealand zonal meets. Daniel Harrington, 12, swam beautifully in the backstroke events to fill third place twice behind Magner and Fitzjohn. Tom Jury, 12, scored a bronze in the 100m butterfly, Zac Quin, 10, was third in the 100m breaststroke and Shaeli Brewer, 10, won two silver medals in the 50m freestyle and backstroke.

Arianna Roberts in action

Louis Fitzjohn and Tom Jury

Zac Quin

Caitlin Farrell

Shaeli Brewer

Silver medal – medley relay team Louis, Brooke, Hannah and Daniel

JetStar Super Swim Squad

Congratulations to GSC Swimmers Dane and Brin that won their age groups in the Legend of the Lake swim last weekend and have been selected for the Jetstar Super Swim Squad.

CNZ Championship’s, 24th – 26th February, Hamilton

This meet provided a solid hit out of the long course format for our senior swimmers as they build through to National Age Group Champs.

GREERTON SWIMMING CLUB NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

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Congratulations to Lochlainn O'Connor who was named in the New Zealand Team for the 2017 Georgina Hope Foundation Australian Age Swimming Championships that are to be held in Brisbane this April (16th – 23rd April 2017).

2017 NZ Division II Championships 5th – 8th March, Rotorua

Good luck to our GSC swimmers that have qualified and are heading to the 2017 NZ Division II Swimming Competition in Rotorua starting on 5th March. The team are competing over 4 days starting on Sunday. Congratulations and swim hard Lucy, Liam, William, Jacob, Sarah C, Kate, Thomas F, Brooke, Millie, Hannah R, Thomas J, Aidan and Thomas W. Thank you NZCT for providing the funds for meeting the cost of accommodation for our Division II swimmers and to Wendy for applying for the funding.

BOP Relay Champs

Everyone should now have replied to Pauline Happe as to whether your child is available to swim on Saturday 11th March at Rotorua. We need lots of parent help as well please. This is great day for all of swimmers to compete in a relay team, enjoy a bus ride to and from

the venue and refreshments provided by the club on the way home.

Rising Stars, Saturday 8th April 2017, Whakatane

This is a great meet for all of our swimmers that have not qualified for Nationals (NAG’s, Div II, NZ Opens – generally our 12 + age group swimmers) or any of our junior swimmers that medaled at the NZ Junior Festival, in February.

Club Champs / AGM / Prizegiving

We have two dates for your calendars. Our Club Champs (Sunday 9th April) and our Club AGM/Prize Giving (Thursday 11th May. AGM/Prize Giving is to be confirmed yet We will keep you all posted.

If your child is the holder of a GSC cup or trophy (from last year) can you please wash them in warm soapy water and clean with a soft cloth and return them to the GSC office by the end of the month.

Survey – we would like your feedback please

A survey will be sent out to all members in the next couple of weeks. We are looking for feedback from swimmers, parents and volunteers on what we do well and what we can do better.

Housekeeping:

Just some friendly reminders for our older members and some tips for all of our new swimmers going to meets. Since Labour Weekend we have had over 150 swimmer entries into competitions and there are few details to align to help all swimmers reach their potential.

SWIMMERS:

Please be at the meet 15 minutes prior to warm up starting. At all meets stretch and session brief start 15 minutes prior to the start of warm up. Please be there on time and check in with the team

managers. Team managers check off the roll each session and swimmers showing up late reduce the time available for relay team organising, event scratching etc.

Check in with the Team Manager (TM) to let them know you are there. Also please tell the TM if you need to leave the team area during the meet. (Organising 30-40 keen excited 12 year olds can be tough. It is extra tough when 1 or 2 are not sitting with the team. Please ensure your swimmers are sitting with the rest of the team – at most meets you are welcome to sit near them).

Please remind your swimmers to follow team manager’s instructions. The team manager’s job is to ensure that all swimmers make their races in good time and that everyone is safe and happy. That responsibility is difficult when swimmers are dropping things of stands, climbing over seating etc.

Remember warm muscles react faster. Shoes and socks track pants and hoodie/jacket are appropriate clothing in both indoor and outdoor competitions.

Please thank the TM when you leave the meet. This also lets the TM know you are leaving, ensuring you are not missing any finals or relays that may be on.

After you race, please use your manners and ask the Time Keepers when they have time, what your time was.

All swimmers to remove their own rubbish and place in appropriate bins or take home.

TM will send you up for your race. Always check in with the TM first and then see the coach before going up to marshalling.

GREERTON SWIMMING CLUB NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

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PARENTS:

Let the coaches coach. Every swimmer has things they can improve on. At a competition swimmers attempt to put into practise what they have worked on in training. Yes, there may be extra things they can improve on but adding in extras will mean compromising what is already focused on.

Some meets have fines if swimmers do not turn up for races / finals. If you are unsure, please contact the TM or a GSC Committee member if your child cannot make a race / meet.

Parents if you have any issues with other swimmers, please do not approach the swimmer/child directly. Please speak to the Coach or TM in the first instance.

If anyone has any frustrations or concerns please talk to either Michael or one of the committee members so that they can help sort matters for you.

Membership Numbers:

The GSC currently has 89 Competitive swimmers and 9 Club swimmers.

Time Keepers / IOT’s:

A reminder to all of our Timekeepers and IOT’s. If you volunteer to timekeep or IOT as a meet, please ensure you wear your white GSC polo shirt. We are very proud of our Club and our volunteers. Please wear your club shirt so we looked united and professional. If you need a shirt, please contact Janine Browne at troyjanine@hotmail.com.

AOD and Meet Manager Operators

We are looking for any parents that may be interested in learning how to run the AOD system (touch pads) and the Meet Manager system (computer operator of the results). Please contact Michael or Paula if you are keen.

New Members:

Welcome to all new swimmers and their families to the Greerton Club. Any new parents needing help, or guidance, please contact our swimmer/parent liaison. Michael Pugh, phone 027-270 6930.

Greerton Hoodies and shirts: If you require a hoodie these can be purchased from Janine Browne who is in charge of all uniform items. Team shirts are supplied to all swimmers that are registered with the GSC and/or team shirt, please email Janine at troyjanine@hotmail.com The cost of a hoodie is now $50. GSC Account Number: 03-1549-0016266-00

GSC Committee Contacts

Michael Pugh (President) - michael.pugh@zespri.co.nz

Paula Farrell (Secretary) - greertonsc@gmail.com David Cadzow (Recorder) greertonrecorder@gmail.com Pauline Happe (Convener) pauline@happe.co.nz Danielle O’Connor (Club Captain) doconnor2906@gmail.com UPDATE on the new season

Can all parents please check on their child’s my page that the emergency details have been completed for your child’s profile. It is also a great time to ensure that your cell and email addresses are current as well. You can now add your child’s school too.

Our new website is now live

https://greerton.swimming.org.nz/

GSC Facebook page:

The GSC has a FB page. This is updated regularly with news, upcoming meets, psyche sheets, results as we get them.

UPCOMING MEETS:

11th March BOP Relay Champs, Rotorua 21st – 25th March SNZ National Age Groups, Wellington 3rd April SNZ Open Championships, Auckland 8th April Rising Stars, Whakatane 9th April – GSC Club Champs 11th May – GSC AGM & Prizegiving (TBC)

NATIONAL MEETS:

5th – 8th March 2017 – SNZ 2017 Div II Comp, Rotorua

21st- 25th March – NZ Age Group Championships, Wellington

3rd – 7th April - 2017 NZ Open Championships, Auckland

3rd – 7th October - 2017 NZSC Championships, Auckland

If you have any queries regarding registration, entering a swim meet online please do not hesitate to contact either myself - Paula Farrell (Secretary) or David Cadzow (Race Recorder).

GREERTON SWIMMING CLUB NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

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COACHES CORNER:

2017 has got off to a flying start with GSC swimmers stepping up at NZ Open Water, NZ Zonal Competition the NZ Junior Festival. Congratulations must go out to new national champion Mia Pugh, new NZ Record holder Louis Fitzjohn, Central Swimming Representatives Kim Cadzow, Connor Farrell and Lochlainn O'Connor. Special mention must go to Lochlainn O'Connor who has been selected in the NZ Team for Australian Age Groups Championships. Squads have been very busy during February. Remember make up sessions are welcome but please flick us an email and let us know your intentions we have a couple of fully subscribed classes in both Copper and Iron Squads. Squad fee reminder: Fees are due on the 20th of the month. We have a couple of families who are paying late - if there are issues regarding payments let us know and we will do our best to help you out. Also remember one month notice is required to make changes to membership. School Swimming Sports Skill Sessions We are holding skills sessions for members wanting extra work on specific race skills for School Swimming Sports. These sessions are targeted at Copper, Iron and Bronze Squads and are included in normal monthly fees. Just pop into the pool at the following times: Wednesday 8th March 7:00 - 7:50pm Wednesday 15th March 7:00 - 7:50pm